entertainment industry coach Question 483: How do I get invited to movie screenings?

There are different kinds of movie screenings:

1. Movie premiers- usually you have to have worked on the movie, know someone who's worked on the movie, or win a radio promotion contest.

2. Union screenings- you have to know a member of the union and ask to be his/her plus one.

3. Academy screenings- again, you have to know a member and be his/her plus one.

4. Networking organizations- join the organization that has screenings and you can trade plus ones with people at the Unions and the Academy. Or know a member of the organization and be his/her plus one.

5. Q&A screenings at theaters- usually you just have to know about them and buy a ticket.

6. Film festival screenings- you have to buy passes to the festivals or individual screenings.

If I didn't mention any you were thinking of in particular, let me know.

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entertainment industry coach Question 482: How do I get work in this economy?!?!?

Wow.. lot's of punctuation. You get the work the same way you would in a great economy. The difference is the people you know may be out of work too, which means you have to target the people who are working. Sounds like it's time for you to start creating new relationships.

Here's the thing, it takes time to build new relationships. Getting work from new people is not a quick fix/silver bullet technique. In order to maintain stability in an unstable industry, it's important to recognize that people in the entertainment industry need supplemental, parallel, and/or passive income streams. If you are in serious financial trouble, it may be in your best interest to find work to bring in income rather than using all of your time building new relationships.

The biggest myth in this industry is that you are somehow a "failure" if you make money at anything other than your craft. This is not true! Financial stability will make it easier for you to find work doing your craft in the future.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 481: How do I choose the right mentor in the field I wish to use my craft? What field do I really want to work?

Every mentor is the "right" mentor because there's something to learn from everyone.

Now, choosing which field you really want to work in requires some soul searching. Keep in mind that if you choose several mentors in each field of interest to interview, it will assist you in your decision making process.

Instead of getting stuck in "who's the right mentor?" write down the different fields of interest. The under each field write down the names of 5 people whom you have some connection to. Then contact each one to ask for an informational interview. Explain that you are unsure of which production field to commit to fully since you've worked in each area, and would like to get their input on your decision making process. Share whatever concerns you have about each field and get their feedback.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 480: Can I be a screenwriter if I don't live in Los Angeles?

In my opinion, it's probably the easiest classification to be, if you don't live in Los Angeles. Why? Because you can master your craft and build your script collection while living in a cheaper city/town, not get beaten down by the rejection that so many experience, be close to family & friends, and even have a fulfilling job as you write. You can also build mentor relationships from afar via email, phone, and/or social media.

Once you have a number of great quality scripts, and relationships that you've been nurturing, then you can plan a business trip to LA to take meetings.

The key is to never stop writing, because you always want to be current and you always want to be growing as a writer.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 479: What is the difference between networking and schmoozing?

Technically, the difference is the meaning you choose to put on the words. But because I'm a coach who loves doing seminars on successful networking, my two cents are:

While reality TV and scripted TV are both types of television, they are completely different genres.

Similarly, schmoozing and networking are both ways to meet people, they are simply two different "attitudes". Networking is a professional attitude whereas schmoozing can be interpreted as either playful or sleazy depending on the person doing the schmoozing and his or her intention.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 478: What is a good way to start my stand up career?

Taking stand-up comedy and improv classes. In LA, the big names are Groundlings & ACME, in Chicago there's Second City. You're from NY, so you want to find out the top training schools/classes. Do your research on NY comedians to see where they trained. Google them or check them out on Wikipedia or IMDB.

Stand up is part talent and part craft. You may have the talent to make people laugh, and you want to develop the craft of designing comedy sets for yourself. Or you may not have the talent to make people laugh, but don't let that discourage you. Comedy has a lot to do with timing, rhythm, and writing. All of those are skills which can be developed.

The second thing you should do is go to as many comedy shows as you can and watch from the perspective of:

1. How is the comedian creating rapport with the audience (or if he/she is not, why not?)

2. Which jokes are working and why?

3. Listen for "the music" in the delivery. Each comedian has his/her own style/tempo/music in delivery.

4. Break down the jokes. Some comedians tell quick one-liners. Some tell stories.

The third task I would recommend is study the masters like George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Whoopie Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams. And then compare them to the contemporary comedians you admire.

The goal is to find your own unique voice while studying the good habits of successful people and staying current with the trends.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 477: Really? A Miley Cyrus song as a blog? Isn't that just lazy?

Who are you Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler on SNL? Don't be a hater! If the song doesn't speak to you, let the lesson speak to you. Music is an extremely powerful anchor. By finding songs, such as The Climb, or Drive by Incubus ( a favorite auditory anchor for me), and the always inspiring Eye of the Tiger, you can turn a bad day or a rejection around by reminding yourself that others have felt what you're feeling, so much so, they wrote a song about it. Listening to your own personally designed motivational playlist is a very powerful tool.

I for one- big fan of Hannah Montana. Had more than one client working on it, and did more than one set visit, and found everyone involved to be wonderful. So keep climbing Miley!!!!

ps, I'm listening to The Climb as I write this. Another good one for Risk Taking is "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 476:Did you ever hear the lyrics to The Climb? I find it inspiring.

GREAT SONG! Worth posting for all to enjoy, whether you're a Miley Cyrus fan or not, here's a bit of motivation for your day:

Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J The Climb lyrics © Hopeless Rose Music; Vistaville Music

I can almost see it

That dream I'm dreaming but

There's a voice inside my head sayin,

You'll never reach it,

Every step I'm taking,

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking but I

Got to keep trying

Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes you going to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes they knock me down but

No I'm not breaking

The pain I'm knowing

But these are the moments that

I'm going to remember most yeah

Just got to keep going

And I,

I got to be strong

Just keep pushing on,

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes you going to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes you going to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

Keep on moving

Keep climbing

Keep the faith baby

It's all about

It's all about

The climb

Keep the faith

Keep your faith

entertainment industry coach Question 475:I'm a man. Is it appropriate to send flowers to a woman who got me a job?

Sometimes. The note has to be crystal clear that it is a professional thank you! Also, check the internet for appropriate flowers. Red roses are the obvious no-no. In fact, from a woman's POV, roses of any color, not appropriate.

Some women like to get flowers, but because it could be misconstrued, why not stick with something safe; a treat that can be shared with her staff, a gift certificate for a basic store like the Gap or Coffee Bean, a luxury gift certificate for a spa treatment (my personal favorite, hint hint).

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 474:I'm available. Should I post it on Facebook?

EeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeCHK! That's the sound of nails on a chalkboard, which is what this question is like for me. Facebook is GREAT! I'm a huge advocate of it, however, misuse of it can make you appear to be desperate and annoying. If you are available and want your Facebook friends to know, here is a good strategy:

"Just finishing Spielberg's latest film and looking forward to the next opportunity!"

Here's a typical and BAD strategy:

Day one:

"I'm available for work as a (insert your job). Please call if you need someone."

Day two:

"Still looking for work."

Day three:

"Looking for work, still nothing!"

No joke... I've seen this and like I said-- nails on a chalkboard.

I'm not going to tell you what to post on Facebook, but I will tell you to think about the message you're putting out to the world, because once you write it down, even if you delete it, like Sally told Harry, "you can't take it back because it's already out there!"

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 473:I'm an actor and got yelled at for moving something on a set that was in my way in the scene. What gives?

What gives? A Union member whose job it is to move the set pieces, I imagine. Just like your Union (SAG and/or AFTRA) has rules to protect you, your position as an actor, your rights, and your safety, other Unions have rules to protect their members' jobs.

On non-union, low-budget sets, you may find yourself acting one minute and moving sandbags the next, but when you step up to Union productions, you have one job to do and that's act. If you need your sandwich replaced for continuity, the script supervisor will let the prop department know.

Instead of being put off by it, be empowered knowing that there are organizations out there working to preserve the jobs of all of their members.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 472: Do I have to live in Hollywood to get my screenplay read?

No, but you do need to do extensive research, protect your intellectual property, and submit through the proper channels.

First, you want to research which companies are producing your genre (and literally call the office to be sure they are still looking for that genre. Just because a producer made it big in horror doesn't mean she is still looking to make horror films twenty years later).

Second, you want to register your work with the WGA (you can do this on line). You may also wish to register it with the US Copyright office.

Third, research the submission policies. Some companies accept an unsolicited synopsis, some will only read a script when submitted by an agent or an attorney, and others will listen to pitches at writers' conferences and pitchfests.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 471: Is there a Union for the people who are building the sets in Hollywood?

Yes. check out http://www.iatse-intl.org/home.html. "The IATSE is the labor union representing technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including live theatre, motion picture and television production, and trade shows."

I'm not sure if you want to be a carpenter or a production designer or what state you live in (sometimes there are different chapters depending where you live), so IATSE is the place to get your specific questions answered.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 470: I'm on location and I miss my kids terribly. How do I find balance?

Skype. Seriously, Skype. If there is internet access on your location, get a laptop with built in camera and microphone, (be sure your kids have a computer with the same technology) and download the free Skype application.

Is it the same as being there and giving them a hug? No, but it's an awfully good compromise. I used to talk to my parents everyday on the phone. Now we Skype, it is SO different. I feel like I see them everyday (well I do "see" them). Now if only I could get my dogs to respond to the sound of my voice when my scent isn't present, for when I'm on location!

Shooting on location falls under the category of "the nature of our industry." Like pilots, truck drivers, military personnel, it comes with the job. Coming up with solutions to make the best of the situation is the way to balance the best of both worlds.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 469: I know I need to watch all of the new shows since I work in tv but I don't want to get sucked into them.

Well, speaking as a complete television "sucker" (I have my double DVR working overtime, On Demand is in demand at my house and Hulu is saved under favorites), only you can control how much TV you choose to watch.

Working in television, there are specifics that you need to know about the shows, based on your classification; the tone, the characters, the writing style, the look, etc. You can watch a show twice, get a feel for it, and then when you get a call for work, do a quick re-watch on Hulu or read up on the show's website.

If you don't want to waste time on shows that may be cancelled, just ask my sister which shows she LOVES... they always get cancelled. (That's a joke.. sort of).

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 468: I need help with time management!

Check out the article I wrote for my newsletter list THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION How to make the most of your time at http://theGreenlightCoachBlog.com

It's the second one down after mentors. If you have any questions after that, let me know!

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 467: If I had a paranormal experience, is this a story I should share?

I know the person who asked this, and I know he's referring to the story-telling exercise I do in my 5 Keys to YOUR Success at a Networking Event and in the Interview section of my Greenlight Your Career Bootcamp.

The answer is, you would share this if it is appropriate to the material you are interviewing for, if it has to do with paranormal activity, and you would share it in a way that is professional as opposed to weird. Practice it on some confidantes before using it in an interview.

If you're at a networking event, as with any story, know you audience, and know why you're telling the story. How is this story going to help the people you're telling it to connect to you on a deeper level, or what will they learn about you that will make them want to hire you?

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 466: Can someone with no connections in the industry make it as a director?

Someone with no industry connections can make it in any classification. If you have talent, drive, and a willingness to learn how to run your business like a business, then absolutely.

I know that's a really short answer, but the fact is, the answer is yes. If you have more questions about how to make it, start by reading this blog from questions 1. Then as questions pop up for you, send them my way. Happy to help.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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entertainment industry coach Question 465: How are people with no talent working and I'm not?

Ah yes, the harsh question of the frustrated entertainment professional. Sometimes talent isn't enough... hey, that would make a good book subtitle- oh, that's right, it already is... Mine.

Listen, the bottom line is that talent is certainly important, though as you can clearly see, it's not a prerequisite. Plenty of people who are (how do I say this nicely?) sub-par, work consistently because they are well connected.

This is an industry of who you know and who knows you. So if you're not working you don't know the right people, and the only one in control of that, is YOU.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visitwww.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com

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